Cavo

Cavo is an American hard rock band from St. Louis, Missouri. Because of their sound and musical influences, they are sometimes classified as post-grunge.

Band history

In late 2000, guitarist Chris Hobbs, bassist Ryan Kemp, and drummer Chad La Roy were searching for a vocalist for their band. After some assistance from close friends Scott Gertken and Rich Criebaum of Modern Day Zero, the three decided to audition then-unknown singer Casey Walker. There was immediate chemistry, and Hollow came to be in March 2001. Later in 2001, Mike "Tomas" Tomasovich joined Hollow as a second guitarist. In 2001, Hollow released a three song demo with the songs "Fallen", "State of Mind" and "Unsung". Near the end of 2001, the band also decided to change their name to Cavo, which is the word "hollow" in Italian.

Cavo released their first EP, A Space to Fill, in 2002. The EP was produced by Scott Gertken and Rich Criebaum, recorded and mixed at their Trailer Studios in Foristell, Missouri, and released through their Bullet 339 Records. Cavo began to grow a loyal fan base while playing shows with Modern Day Zero. A Space to Fill spawned two singles that earned rotation on local radio stations in the St. Louis area. "Say Again" was picked up by WVRV and KNSX, and KPNT picked up the rock anthem "Unsung".

Cavo followed up the EP four years later with their self-released full length The Painful Art of Letting Go in September 2006. Walker invited Brian Smith to join the band in 2006 because they needed a new bass player to replace Ryan Kemp who was no longer in the band.

On July 26, 2012 Cavo made an announcement on Facebook that Chad La Roy had decided to pursue other interest. They stated that a close friend, Andy Herrin, was filling in for the Carnival of Madness tour. "Chris, Brian, and myself (Casey) ARE continuing on as Cavo!!!" the statement said.

The band is currently raising money from fans in order to make a new album on the website Pledge Music.

Major label success

Cavo released a second EP, Champagne, in 2008, which set them up for national attention. The track "Champagne" caught the attention of 105.7 KPNT in St. Louis, and the single was put into rotation. The success of "Champagne" allowed Cavo to set up several showcases, including an opening slot for Stone Temple Pilots, which was attended by label representatives from Warner Brothers Records. The band was flown to New York where they showcased for label executives, and Cavo then signed to Warner/Reprise late in 2008.^[1][2] The group's major label debut, Bright Nights Dark Days, was released on August 11, 2009; Zac Maloy of The Nixons and Norwegian songwriting team Espionage worked with the group on songwriting,^[3] and the record is produced by David Bendeth.^[4] The single "Champagne" has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts.^[5] The single "Crash" written by Tommy Henriksen, Bobby Huff and Zac Maloy reached No. 6 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks.

In 2009, their third single "Let It Go" was featured in the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and is available on the soundtrack.

The band has toured with bands such as Halestorm, Rev Theory, Red, Chevelle, Daughtry, Lifehouse, Rains, Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Adelitas Way, The Veer Union, and Framing Hanley, and have played Crüe Fest.

In 2010 after completing their second leg with Daughtry and Lifehouse, Cavo hit the road for their very first headlining tour, which started in late July with Black Sunshine, Shaman's Harvest, Atom Smash, Brookroyal and American Bang supporting.

During this time, the band was in the writing phase for their next album with an anticipated release being in February 2012. A few new songs thought to be included on the album - "Last Day", "Circles" and "Southern Smile" - were played in concert by the band.

Thick as Thieves

Two years after the release its major label debut, Bright Nights Dark Days, Cavo rewarded patient fans with new material, their album Thick as Thieves. The album, their first with top independent rock label Eleven Seven Music, was set for release in early 2012. Produced by Kato Khandwala (Blondie, Drowning Pool) David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin) and Dan Korneff (All That Remains, My Chemical Romance), Thick as Thieves was recorded at House of Loud Studios in New Jersey. The title track and first single impacted at rock radio in the first week of October 2011. With immediate adds in Chicago, Phoenix, Kansas City, St. Louis and thirteen other markets, the powerful sophomore debut is off to a promising start. Cavo is currently planning a short radio promo tour in select markets, to be announced shortly.

The music video for "Thick as Thieves" premiered on Yahoo! in late 2011 and was directed by Frankie Nasso, who has directed videos for Chevelle, RZA, HELLYEAH, and All That Remains. The video features Cavo performing on a hi-rise rooftop in St. Louis. The reality scenes featured in the video with members of Cavo were directed and edited by Bretten CG. Who produced and directed the behind the scenes for the "Thick as Thieves" video and the electronic press kits for the album Thick as Thieves. The video was produced in part by New Standard Creative Agency, and VisionTracks.

In anticipation of the Thick as Thieves release, Cavo was calling on its fans to help finalize their cover art, intended to be a collage of candid band shots taken by fans. Artwork was set to be revealed in early December, 2011.

The album was released on April 10, 2012.

Members

Current

• Chris Hobbs - guitar, backing vocals
• Andy Herrin - drums
• Brian Smith - bass, backing vocals
• Casey Walker - lead vocals

Former

• Chad La Roy - drums
• Michael (Tomas) Tomasovich - lead guitar
• Ryan Kemp - bass

Discography

Studio albums

• Bright Nights Dark Days (2009)
• Thick as Thieves (2012)
• TBA (2015)

References